Manchester hosts first low-fares flights to Tel Aviv

Manchester Airport hosted its first low-fares flights to Tel Aviv this week when Thomsonfly launched services to the Israeli city.

The carrier's first flight from Manchester to Tel Aviv departed the north-west on November 1st and services will run three times a week.

Speaking earlier this year when the route was first announced, Thomsonfly commercial director Guy Stephenson said that the decision to begin flights to Tel Aviv was prompted by "huge demand" for an air link to the city.

Mr Stephenson also said there was a possibility that the service could become a year-round fixture.

Tim McDermott, aviation development director at Manchester Airport, told the Manchester Evening News: "We're delighted that Thomsonfly is launching this important route to Tel Aviv.

"It's a major coup for our low-cost, long-haul programme. Early sales tell us that the route is going to be popular with visiting friends and family. Israel, and in particular Tel Aviv, is becoming a popular young leisure destination."

Manchester Airport also hosts flights to long-haul destinations including Goa, India; Ontario, Canada; Karachi, Pakistan and Phuket, Thailand.